"Mastermind: How to Think Like Sherlock Holmes" by Maria Konnikova

June 6, 2013 · 7:00 PM

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No fictional character is more renowned for his powers of thought and observation than Sherlock Holmes. But is his extraordinary intellect merely a gift of fiction, or can we learn to cultivate these abilities ourselves, to improve our lives at work and at home?
We can, says psychologist and journalist Maria Konnikova, and in Mastermind she shows us how. Beginning with the "brain attic" - Holmes's metaphor for how we store information and organize knowledge - Konnikova unpacks the mental strategies that lead to clearer thinking and deeper insights. Drawing on twenty-first-century neuroscience and psychology, Mastermind explores Holmes's unique methods of ever-present mindfulness, astute observation, and logical deduction.
In doing so, it shows how each of us, with some self-awareness and a little practice, can employ these same methods to sharpen our perceptions, solve difficult problems, and enhance our creative powers. For Holmes aficionados and casual readers alike, Konnikova reveals how the world's most keen-eyed detective can serve as an unparalleled guide to upgrading the mind.

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Join our informal discussions of books about the mind and the brain, positive psychology and consciousness. We'll explore many daily implications of recent brain research that can help us accelerate positive change, cultivate a healthy mind and brain, and create long-lasting improvements in our lives. Some topics to explore: * How neuroplasticity enables us to rewire our brain with proper attention; * Why our brains are wired to resist change and how we can overcome that resistance; * How to apply specific brain-based strategies to develop new positive habits and increase well-being; * How to improve memory, awareness, and creativity; * How to accelerate learning and maintain vibrant and healthy brains throughout our lives.